Cabinet policy sought to factor tree value into project approvals

The Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP) has urged the State government to formulate a Cabinet-level policy mandating inclusion of the economic and ecological value of trees while evaluating development projects involving tree felling. “Such an approach could help balance infrastructure growth with environmental protection,” it argued.

In a letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, MGP founding working president Bhamy V. Shenoy said environmental concerns had led to public opposition to projects in Mysuru and elsewhere. He referred to protests over tourism initiatives around Kabini, flyover proposals in Mysuru and Bengaluru, a stadium project in the KSIC factory area at T. Narasipur and a proposed cricket stadium in the environmentally sensitive Huliyalu region of Mysuru.

According to the letter, such projects were increasingly becoming “zero-sum conflicts”, where either development moved ahead at the expense of the environment or environmental campaigns stalled government plans. However, he argued that with the right approach, development and environmental protection could both be achieved in a true win-win model.

The MGP leader alleged that project proponents often opted for the easiest implementation route without exploring alternatives and justified tree felling by citing master plans, or traffic safety concerns even when those reasons were questionable.

To support his argument, he cited three Mysuru examples. The first involved the proposed widening of Lalit Mahal Road in 2010, where permission was sought to fell 32 trees. MGP organised a tree-hugging protest and, after objections and a public hearing, the project was dropped and an alternative route was identified, preserving the trees.

The second example related to Hyder Ali Road, where the letter stated that more than 40 mature trees, around 50-year old, were felled in 2025 under the justification of master plan inclusion despite claims that the road already had adequate width and no study had been conducted.

The third case involved the proposed widening of Hunsur Road near Kalamandir during 2017–18, which threatened century-old trees. The project was justified on road safety grounds, but MGP maintained that rash and drunken driving were the actual causes of accidents. Public protests and litigation later stalled the proposal.

18,864 trees felled in five years

Mr. Shenoy cited official figures showing that 18,864 trees were felled across Karnataka between 2022 and 2026 and argued that the actual number could be higher in view of earlier statements made in Parliament regarding tree loss for infrastructure projects.

He urged the Chief Minister to convene a Cabinet meeting and evolve a framework requiring the value of trees to be factored into all projects involving felling, saying it could become a model for addressing climate change. “If the value of trees is considered, officials will look for better alternatives to tree felling and many such protests could be avoided,” he argued.